IMSC Overview

IMSC is an informatics research center that focuses in data-driven solutions for real-world applications. We are motivated by the need to address fundamental Data Science problems related to applications with major societal impact. Towards this end, we target four application domains: Transportation, Social Media, Security, and Health, for each of which we are developing a large scale System Integration Prototype. Each prototype is designed to address real world problems and to conduct fundamental and applied multidisciplinary research in the area of Big Data.

Our work is supported by city, state and federal government competitive research grants and by the support and sponsorship of our industry partners such as Google, Microsoft, Intel, Oracle, Chevron and Northrop Grumman. Over the years IMSC has had a vibrant technology transfer program leading to more than ten successful startups and filing more than one hundred invention disclosures. These activities and our research focus make IMSC a recognized figure in its domain and one of the world’s leading authorities in the emerging field of Geo-Informatics.

Founded in 1996 by C. L. Max Nikias - now USC’s President - IMSC is hosted by the USC Viterbi School of Engineering and benefits from the support of the School’s Faculty and Staffs. IMSC has been an energetic force in the expansion of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, serving as the catalyst for new curricular programs and continuously expands education and research efforts with international programs and collaborations.